LIFE

FOOD

TOWN

On Doing the Things You Love

Fun fact: I love horses. For as long as I can remember, I dreamt of one day riding them through the woods, hearing the “du-dum-du-dum-du-dum” of hooves on the forest floor. I have always been enamored by their beauty and in love with their gentle ways; how they act like giant dogs and use their long, swishy tails to swat at flies. As you can see, I am a total, unfaltering horse girl, and I don’t attempt to hide it!

A few weeks ago, I went to a fair and of course, stopped in the stable to pet each and every horse. Shortly after, I had an a-ha moment: If I loved them so much, and have always dreamt of riding them, why wasn’t I? There’s even a horse farm 10 minutes down the road from me. Because life, I reasoned. Because of all the other things. But here’s what I’m learning as I get older (and this is why the sentiment above resonated so much with me): it’s important, so important, to do the things you love, even if it’s a little inconvenient.

We’ve heard it before, and what I’m saying is nothing new. But learning and figuring out what those things are, and how to prioritize them, is hard! It takes time, I’m realizing, and effort, and growth. And also being a little stern with yourself. Think about the times you’ve gone to the park, laid out a towel to read and swore to yourself that you’d make a point of doing it more often, simply because it made you so happy to do it. Think about how much time goes by before the next time you actually get around to doing it. Even after deciding to contact the farm, it took me three days to follow through. But I did it! And now I volunteer once a week, with lessons soon to follow, and it makes me so happy.

What is one happy thing you wish you included in your routine but didn’t? And what’s stopping you? It’ll get you thinking! : )

3 thoughts on “On Doing the Things You Love”

I’ve always wanted to try an African dance class with live drumming. What’s stopped me? the possibility of embarrassing myself in public for starters… But I just looked up a class & I’m going! Come with me, Joy!

OMG we have discussed our love for horses. I took lessons through my junior year of high school and have missed it so much but it’s sooo expensive. I’ve contacted barns asking about volunteering in exchange for lessons and it’s always a no! You are so lucky!!! Keep sending pics so I can live vicariously 🙂